Green Lakes State Park Guide

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Introduction

Surrounded by breathtaking views of Green Lake and Round Lake, Green Lakes State Park is an outdoor paradise, featuring 1,955 acres of large old-growth forest, a gorge that highlights the unusual upstate geology, and beautiful hills. Located just east of Syracuse, New York in the town of Manlius, this state park is a must for your next RV excursion. You'll have countless opportunities for outdoor recreation in a jaw-dropping landscape. From golfing and hiking to boating and birding, Green Lakes State Park offers a variety of outdoor adventures.

The lake views of Green Lakes State Park are remarkable, with each of them having an unusual blue-greenish color. You will enjoy taking in the countryside air while being surrounded by a vast majority of trees, including sugar maples, beech, tuiliptrees, hemlocks, and white cedars. With over 170 different species of birds seen in the park, you will have a spectacular time. History buffs will love learning about the construction of the park's roads, buildings, golf course, and trails.

Once you park your camper at Green Lakes State Park you can head out to one of the numerous nature trails throughout the park. For birdwatchers, the area is a Bird Conservation Area. Green Lakes State Park is the perfect RV destination no matter what time of the year you visit.

Transportation in Green Lakes State Park

Driving

Green Lakes State Park is easily accessible by RV or car, due to it's location east of Syracuse, NY, off of NYS 290. Park roads will take you to the Park Office and Nature Center to the Camp Store and campgrounds. There are no restrictions for driving your RV or trailer in the park, so getting around will be easy, whether you are in another vehicle or your rig.

There are numerous options for parking RVs and trailers, with eight parking areas throughout the park, as well as parking at the Nature Center and hiking trails. Of course, parking is available at the campgrounds should you be staying the night.

With a large trail that goes the entire area of Green Lake, walking is not an issue between the beach, boathouse, and bathhouse areas. On part of the trail there is a footbridge to cross over.

Parking

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Green Lakes State Park

Campsites in Green Lakes State Park

Reservations camping

Camping at Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park features 142 pet-friendly campsites available to RVs and tents from May through October. The campsites are divided between Pinewoods and Rolling Hills. These campsites give access to electricity, water, and some even have sewer hookups. The Pinewoods camping area features a playground where the kids will love to run around and play. This camping area is also closest to the beautiful Green Lake. The Rolling Hills camping area also has a playground is within walking distance to Round Lake.

Amenities at these campgrounds include hot showers, comfort stations, and a dump station. Each site a gravel area or paved pad and a picnic table.

Generator use is permitted between certain hours during the day. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00pm until 7:00am. Also, an adult 18 or order must be the permit holder and remain on site during the full permit period. Only two pets are allowed per campsite. Reservations can be made from one day to nine months in advance.

First-come first-served

First-Come, First Served

First-come, first-served is only available with the accessible sites after all other sites have been rented or reserved.

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Green Lakes State Park

In-Season

Kayaking

Have a desire to go out onto the water during your RV adventure at Green Lake State Park? If so, you will need to keep your privately owned boat sitting on it's trailer due to the sensitive nature of Green Lake and Round Lake. This also means any outside or private kayaks or canoes are also prohibited. With weather permitting though, there are rowboat and kayak rentals available for your recreational enjoyment from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Boat House.

Visiting the Nature Center

Green Lakes State Park has a small nature center should you be interested in learning more about the area. The specific activities are deemed by the staff and could range from learning about the area birds to the magnificent colors of Round Lake and Green Lake. Guided tours of the park are not available. Located in the Pine Wood camping area, and open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Nature Center is definitely a stop you should consider while exploring Green Lakes State Park.

Swimming

Should rays of sunshine and drops of water be what you are seeking, make sure that your swimsuit is in your RV, because Green Lakes State Park has a sandy popular swimming beach. After you have taken a dip in the cool water, head to the lawns for sunbathing. You do not need to worry about changing prior to coming to the beach, since you can utilize one of the changing facilities located nearby. There is also a concession stand should you need a bite to eat or drink.

Off-Season

Birding

Green Lakes State Park is home to 170 different species of birds, so you want to make sure the binoculars are within arms reach in the RV. Some of the many birds you may be fortunate to see include Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Pipit, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and Blackbirds. Swans, Ducks and Geese are popular around the lake areas. For an excellent chance to see your favorite bird, the Bird Conservation Area encompasses all around Round Lake, extending to the western region and continuing along the park boundary and Erie Canal Towpath then cutting back by the reservoir. The grasslands within the Bird Conservation Area is the largest concentration of grassland habitat in the New York Park System.

Biking

Green Lakes State Park is an amazing place to bring your bike and head out on the trails. Located at the western edge of the park, these beautiful trails connect you to the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, that runs near the north entrance of Green Lakes State Park. The old towpath at the Erie Canal now serves as a bicycling and walking path.

Hiking

Make sure you pack the best pair of hiking boots you have since there is an incredible extensive network of trails all along the park, ranging from a half mile to two and a half miles. For an easy hike or stroll, take the two-mile Rolling Hills Trail. You will start your adventure at the Nature Center and explore the vast amount of trees Green Lakes State Park has to offer. If you are more adventurous and do not mind exploring undeveloped areas, consider the Deer Run Trail at two and a half miles in the western area.